Indigenous-led Nonprofit for Cultural Stewardship & Restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TEK

Traditional Ecological Knowledge

What does restoration mean, and why is it important to Indigenous culture?

Restoration is the practice of healing and renewing our lands, waters, languages, and traditions so they can thrive for future generations. For Indigenous peoples, restoration is more than environmental work—it is cultural survival. It means bringing back native plants and foods, repairing relationships with the natural world, and reviving ceremonies, teachings, and practices that sustain our communities. By restoring what has been disrupted through colonization and environmental harm, we honor our ancestors, protect the well-being of our youth, and strengthen the deep cultural knowledge (TEK) that guides us in living in balance with the Earth.

What is land stewardship, and why is it important to teach our youth?

Land stewardship is the responsibility of caring for the Earth—protecting its soil, waters, plants, and animals so they can continue to sustain life. For Indigenous peoples, it is a way of life rooted in respect, reciprocity, and balance. Teaching our youth about stewardship ensures they carry forward traditional ecological knowledge, understand their role in protecting Mother Earth, and can continue our cultural practices for generations to come.

Why are invasive species such a threat to our ecosystems and Indigenous cultural practices?

Invasive species are plants and animals that spread aggressively and push out native species. They damage ecosystems by disrupting soil health, waterways, and wildlife habitats, and they threaten the plants and animals that Indigenous peoples rely on for food, medicine, fibers, and cultural practices. When invasive species take over, they erase not only biodiversity but also the cultural knowledge and traditions tied to those native species. Protecting against invasives is essential to preserving both the balance of the land and the survival of our cultural lifeways.

Why are traditional cultural burns important to the ecosystem and Indigenous ways of life?

Cultural burns are small, intentional fires practiced by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years to care for the land. These burns clear away overgrowth, return nutrients to the soil, reduce the risk of destructive wildfires, and create healthier habitats for plants and animals. Beyond the ecological benefits, cultural burning is a traditional practice that connects us to our ancestors, maintains our food and medicine sources, and teaches respect and responsibility for living in balance with the Earth.

Contact Us

Location

Seven Generations United Association is incorporated in North Carolina, with our active base in Syracuse, New York, located on the homelands of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. As a Mohawk Nation–led nonprofit, we prioritize cultural stewardship and honor the land and people where we live. We are dedicated to land restoration and offer cultural experiences while building partnerships with Indigenous nations across the East Coast and beyond, utilizing Traditional Ecological Knowledge in our efforts.

Welcome

Indigenous-led Nonprofit: Reviving Land, Culture & Community

Discover SGUA

Our Mission

Nature's Masterpiece: A Stunning Photo Collection of SGUA - Seven Generation United Asso.

Community building and land restoration

Seven Generation United Association

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Location

SGUA - Seven Generation United Asso.

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Welcome

Indigenous-led Nonprofit: Reviving Land, Culture & Community

Discover SGUA

Our Mission

Nature's Masterpiece: A Stunning Photo Collection of SGUA - Seven Generation United Asso.

Community building and land restoration

Seven Generation United Association

Help Our Cause

Connect With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Drop us a line!

Location

SGUA - Seven Generation United Asso.

Subscribe

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